Atos plans to spin out a business unit that offers digital transformation, big data and cybersecurity services. The effort is part of a larger company breakup plan that could attract private equity, MSP and MSSP bidders for multiple Atos business assets, ChannelE2E believes.
Atos is a global IT consulting giant, but the overall business is struggling. A boardroom debate about how Atos should march forward has triggered CEO Rodolphe Belmer's exit from the company after only five months on the job.
Atos Bright Spot: Evidian Business Performance
Still, there are some bright spots within the Atos business -- including the proposed spin-out known as Evidian. This business, led by Philippe Oliva, will offer digital transformation, big data and cybersecurity services. Ahead of the breakup, Evidian focused mostly on identity and access management (IAM) software. But it sounds like additional services — perhaps Cloudreach, for instance — will move into this business.
The Evidian unit is growing — generating revenue of €4.9 billion (US$5.11 billion) in 2021, up 5% organically from 2020, and delivering a 7.8% operating margin, Atos indicated.
Evidian apparently will include the Atos MSSP business -- though we're still trying to confirm that believe directly with Atos. That MSSP business operates 16 SOCs (security operations centers) worldwide as of March 2022. The Atos cybersecurity business also spans such acquisitions as Fidem, IDnomic, Motiv ICT Security, Paladion and SEC Consult Group.
Atos Cybersecurity Business, Evidian: A Potential Acquisition Target?
The Atos breakup plan calls for Evidian to be publicly held. But the plan may also re-ignite bidder interest in the various Atos assets, ChannelE2E believes. Back in mid-2021, Cinven was among the private equity firms interested in acquiring Atos, Unquote reported. KKR, Advent International and Bain may also have given the business a look, the Unquote report added in August 2021.
The Atos cybersecurity business has generated buyout rumors multiple times in recent months. Potential suitors apparently included Airbus and Thales, according to reports in early 2022.
